Private lives, public policy – a commentary on “Spirituality and learning disability: a review of UK Government guidance”

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 178-180
Author(s):  
Claudia Camden-Smith

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on “Spirituality and learning disability: a review of UK Government guidance” by Sango and Forrester-Jones. Design/methodology/approach – The commentary examines the interplay between spirituality and health care in caring for people with a learning disability from a personal perspective and considers the reasons why healthcare professionals and caregivers may not facilitate expression of spirituality in this group. Findings – Carers with a religious affiliation of their own are more likely to engage people with learning disability in exploration of religion and spirituality than those with no religious affiliation. Although government policy in this area is limited, spirituality is an integral part of holistic care and should be addressed by all healthcare professionals and paid carers. Originality/value – This paper explores reasons why carers may find it hard to talk about spirituality and provides guidance and resources for talking about spirituality to people with learning disability.

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 399-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Walder ◽  
Robert Green ◽  
Sujata Soni

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the difficulties patients with intellectual disabilities face when they present to a general hospital with ambiguous symptoms and highlights the importance of adequate training for general staff in caring for people with learning disabilities. Design/methodology/approach – The authors describe the pathway of a person with a learning disability and mental health problems from A&E, through a general hospital, to discharge and the problems encountered in terms of diagnostic clarity and subsequent treatment. Findings – Delay in recognising a psychiatric cause for his symptoms and wrongly attributing his symptoms to his learning disability may have led to a protracted admission and invasive tests. Originality/value – Education of healthcare professionals and proactive liaison work can help improve outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities when they are admitted to generic services.


2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 167-177
Author(s):  
Mark F Dalgarno ◽  
Sharon A Riordan

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the lived experiences of learning disability nurses working within forensic services, and their views on their practice as a speciality. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative, semi-structured interview-based design was used and participant's voices were examined through interpretive phenomenological analysis. Findings – Nurses explored a range of topics related to their practice and overall, five superordinate themes were developed. Forensic nursing as being both the same and different to generic nursing, the journey, and the emotional challenge of forensic nursing, the balancing act of everyday practice and the role of language within forensic nursing practice. Originality/value – Very little research has examined the views of learning disability nurses within the forensic field. This study gives both a voice to these nurses and suggests areas of interest both for research and for clinicians to consider in their practice.


2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 12-14

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings It is said that the most stressful event in our lives is moving house. The risk of the whole project falling through; the sheer scale of planning and coordination required; the emotional highs and lows of the success or failure in finding the right home to move to. Certainly, there are few activities that adults go through that guarantee such a levels of anxiety. And if this is the case for our private lives, then what is the equivalent of our business lives? Implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 200-203
Author(s):  
Mark Andrew Haydon-Laurelut ◽  
Karl Nunkoosing

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on the article by Flynn et al. Design/methodology/approach In this commentary, the authors will develop some further thoughts about the importance of empathy, its relational nature and place in practice. The authors use some examples from systemic practice to illustrate. Findings Social psychological research underlines the importance of empathy in practice. Systemic practice and other collaborative approaches that ask about the experiences and abilities of people with a learning disability and their networks can support new possibilities as network members are listened to, included and respected. Originality/value The relational nature of empathy and its connection with practice is explored in this paper.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl Nunkoosing

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on Alex Cockain’s article “De-fusing and re-fusing face-to-face encounters involving autistic persons in Hong Kong”. Design/methodology/approach The commentary considers the issues raised in Cockain’s article primarily from a focus on Goffman’s concept of “stigma”. Cognitive, emotional and behavioural components of stigma are examined and its wider relevance considered. Findings There has been less research on the stigma of learning disability than on that of mental health, despite a very early study of learning disability (Edgerton, 1967) using the concept only four years after the publication of Goffman’s (1963) seminal work. A number of points of relevance of stigma are identified including to social role valorisation, visible and invisible stigmas, the concept of “passing”, microaggression, disablism and labelling. Originality/value The commentary illustrates the relevance of the concept of stigma to other aspects of learning disability and disability scholarship.


2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-25
Author(s):  
Peter McGill

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on Andrew Jahoda’s article “Depression and people with a learning disability: a way forward”. Design/methodology/approach The paper considers depression and other issues of psychological well-being from the perspective of the eligibility criteria for social care in England as enshrined in the 2014 Care Act. Findings There is a danger of issues of psychological well-being being seen as health rather than social care needs. A more integrated perspective is required. Originality/value The paper illustrates the importance of the role of social care provision in promoting the well-being of people with learning disabilities.


2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 188-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hayley Goleniowska

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to look at the importance of self-esteem in individuals with a learning disability. Design/methodology/approach – The paper explore ways of developing self-esteem and confidence with simple techniques for parents and carers of those with learning disabilities to try. Findings – Anecdotal examples are given by a mother of a child who has Down's Syndrome. The paper outlines ways parents and professionals can increase the self-worth of individuals with a learning disability through fun play, encouraging relevant social and life skills, even safe risk taking. The paper outlines the need for accepting and praising your child for who they are as well as seeking out positive role models. Originality/value – Self-esteem and confidence are crucial ingredients in giving people with learning disabilities a sense of well-being and of beings valued member of a community. They are also key in keeping depression and loneliness at bay.


2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill Barr-Walker

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the involvement of libraries in health literacy programs and initiatives based on a review of the literature. Design/methodology/approach Four databases were searched for papers that described health literacy programs and initiatives within libraries. Findings Several themes of health literacy programs in libraries emerged: health literacy for older adults, underserved populations, the general public, healthcare professionals, and medical students, and patients. Collaborations between libraries and community organizations were frequently used. Practical implications Librarians may use this review to understand the history of health literacy efforts and libraries to inform future programming. This review will contextualize current research on health literacy and libraries. Originality/value Despite the currency and relevance of this topic, there are no literature reviews on health literacy and librarianship.


2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (9) ◽  
pp. 1355-1368
Author(s):  
Odekhiren Amaize ◽  
Steven Buigut

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the socioeconomic factors that influence the public’s reading interest in specific genres of literature, as well as what the public actually reads or listens to in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Design/methodology/approach A survey of 1,377 households, consisting of 650 and 727 from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, respectively, was conducted in 2012 as part of the country’s first, and to date only, comprehensive Survey of Public Participation in the Arts. A multivariate probit model is applied to analyze factors that influence interest in reading fiction, religion and spirituality and health and fitness. In addition, factors that influence public’s likelihood to read novels, short stories and poems are also assessed. Findings The results indicate that ethnicity, gender and education level significantly influence both the interest in reading, and actual reading habits. For example, while Asian and Western expatriate groups show more interest in fiction and health and fitness literature, Emirati are more likely to read poems. A gender difference is identified with females more likely to read. Research limitations/implications The survey focused on regular dwelling units and within a household, family and resident relatives. Hence, it excludes a segment of residents, such as domestic workers and unauthorized migrants. Originality/value This is the first study to empirically assess the factors influencing the public’s interest and reading habits across a range of genres of literature in the UAE.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 77-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krysia Emily Waldock

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the possible impact of normalisation on the perceptions of quality of life (QoL) and the impact of this association on the research to date. This commentary reflects on the implications of limiting QoL research to autistic people who are perceived to be “more able”. Design/methodology/approach This commentary discusses the implications of undertaking QoL research in the field of autism. Findings This commentary argues for further consideration of the autistic voice in QoL research. Researcher epistemology and life experience, including experience of autistic people, is examined in terms of how QoL might be perceived and attributed. Further participatory research in the field of quality of life of autistic people, including those with a learning disability and engagement with a variety of autistic people, is called for. Originality/value This commentary suggests that the existing definitions of QoL, founded on principles of normalisation, may not be completely applicable to autistic people, and that new ways of both defining and measuring QoL might be needed.


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